Thunder Buddies Pod – OKC out-muscles Philadelphia (Game 12 of 82)– The Thunder recorded its signature win of the young season Friday night, a 127-119 victory against Philadelphia. After trading buckets in the fourth quarter, OKC dominated in overtime. Chris Paul was classic Chris Paul and Terrance Ferguson set a season high in scoring. Maddie Lee and Joe Mussatto discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Outpaced in Indiana (Game 11 of 82) – The Pacers beat up on the Thunder 111-85 Tuesday night in Indianapolis. OKC, which had stayed competitive even in losses, shot a dismal 36 percent from the floor and 24 percent from three. So, what exactly went wrong? Maddie Lee and Joe Mussatto discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Beware of the Bucks (Game 10 of 82) – The Thunder could only slow Giannis Antetokounmpo for one half Sunday night. In the second half, Antetokounmpo showed why he’s the reigning MVP. He beat up the Thunder … and a Thunder sign. It was a 121-119 win for Milwaukee. Maddie Lee and Joe Mussatto discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Waxing the Warriors (Game 9 of 82) – The Thunder beat the Warriors 114-108 Saturday night. It was OKC's second victory over Golden State in the last two weeks. The Thunder's offense exploded for 30 assists while shooting 14-of-30 from three. Was it improved offense, or just taking advantage of bad defense? Maddie Lee and Joe Mussatto discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Spurned in San Antonio (Game 8 of 82) – Thunder killer LaMarcus Aldridge struck again, scoring 39 points on 19-of-23 shooting. With good ball movement, the Thunder kept it close for most of the game. But the Spurs kept calling on Aldridge’s hot hand down the stretch to give the Thunder a 121-112 loss.

Thunder Buddies – Casting a spell on Orlando (Game 7 of 82) – The Thunder held off the Magic 102-94 on a memorable night at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Family members of the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing were honored in an emotional pregame ceremony. The Thunder capped off the night with a victory, thanks in large part to Steven Adams’ return to the lineup.

Thunder Buddies – Bazley's Breakout (Game 6 of 82) – The Thunder moved to 2-4 after a 115-104 win against the Pelicans on Saturday night. Darius Bazley had a career-high 17 points, Chris Paul had his best game as a Thunder player and Billy Donovan unveiled a new lineup. Maddie Lee and Joe Mussatto break down the game alongside special guest Cameron Jourdan.

Thunder Buddies – Great Dame (Game 5 of 82) – OKC fell to 1-4 after a 102-99 loss to Portland on Wednesday night. Damian Lillard and the Blazers lit it up from 3-point land. The Thunder? Not so much. The Oklahoman’s Maddie Lee, Berry Tramel and Joe Mussatto break down the game.

Thunder Buddies – Holding tight in Houston (Game 4 of 82)– For the first time ever, the Thunder faced Russell Westbrook as an opponent, in a 116-112 loss to the Rockets. Dennis Schroder had another standout game. Chris Paul was given a tribute video. And it all fell apart in the third quarter. Maddie Lee and Joe Mussatto discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Thunder drops home opener to Wizards(Game 2 of 82) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tied the game 83-83 with just under five minutes left, but the Wizards finished on a 14-2 run to beat the Thunder 97-85 in its home opener. OKC’s defense was strong, but its offense is still a work in progress. Maddie Lee and Joe Mussatto discuss what else we learned from the game.

Thunder Buddies – A surprising start to the regular season (Game 1 of 82) – The Thunder kept its 100-95 loss to the Jazz surprisingly close. What else was surprising? Only three points from Steven Adams. A career-high 26 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. And so much more. Maddie Lee and Joe Mussatto discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Talking Nuggets expectations with Mike Singer – The Nuggets are loaded and are getting plenty of buzz as the Western Conference’s best team. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Oklahoman business reporter (and Nuggets fan) Dave Dishman welcome Mike Singer of the Denver Post to the podcast to talk Jerami Grant, Nikola Jokic, why the Nuggets losing the Blazers in the playoffs wasn’t a bad thing, and the Western Conference pecking order. Part 3 of the four-part series previewing the Northwest Division.

Thunder Buddies – Chris Paul's future – Now that Chris Paul is officially a member of the Thunder, OKC could have trouble trading him this summer. What's the likelihood that Paul starts the season with the Thunder? What would OKC look like with and without him? Erik Horne, Berry Tramel and Maddie Lee discuss.

Thunder Buddies – The Russell Westbrook Era has ended. What's next? The trade that everyone knew was coming was still a shocker when it happened. Russell Westbrook is a Houston Rocket. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss, including the Thunder getting Chris Paul, their top Westbrook moments, the scene of Westbrook's final night as a Thunder player and OKC's plan for CP3.

Thunder Buddies - Trade scenarios and what’s next - The Thunder is rebuilding. First it was Paul George. Now it’s Jerami Grant. Is Russell Westbrook next? Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss, including some trade scenarios for Westbrook ranging from realistic to ridiculous.

Thunder Buddies – Free Agency Day 4 – Free agency opened with a bang. Only four days into it, most teams in the Western Conference have improved, the Thunder outperformed expectations (within its budgetary constraints), and the NBA eagerly awaits Kawhi Leonard's decision. Erik Horne, Berry Tramel and Maddie Lee discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Who is Darius Bazley and what's OKC up to? – The Thunder didn't just go young in the NBA Draft, but to the prep-to-pros well for the second time in three years. Why did they pick Darius Bazley? Jenni Carlson, Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss the draft, plus the Thunders' offseason plan.

Thunder Buddies – The rise and fall of OKC in Game 5 – The Thunder's season came to an end courtesy of a late collapse and the brilliance of Damian Lillard. The Thunder now goes into the offseason with all the questions you could ask. Erik Horne and Berry Tramel discuss Game 5, what's next and answer your Twitter questions.

Thunder Buddies – Season on the line after Game 4 flop – The Thunder's duo of Paul George and Russell Westbrook are getting outplayed by C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard. It means the Thunder is nearing another first-round exit and more questions about its future. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss.

Thunder Buddies – A wild night sends OKC to PDX (Game 82 of 82) – The Thunder combined a win with good fortune to get a seemingly ideal matchup with Portland. It rained 3-pointers down on Milwaukee to lock up the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Good sign or an outlier? Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss, including the playoff matchup to come.

Thunder Buddies – The juice returns against the Pistons (Game 79 of 82) – The Thunder looked more like itself Friday than any game post-All-Star break – swagging, running, dominating the glass. It started with Russell Westbrook, who set another unprecedented record, and carried over to Dennis Schroder. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss, and answer your Twitter questions.

Thunder Buddies – Downer against Dallas (Game 77 of 82) – The Thunder again struggled against a team with no real incentive to win. How did it happen? A little bit of everything going wrong for the Thunder, which now has lost seven of 10 games. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Swept away by Denver (Game 76 of 82) – The Nuggets have the Thunder's number. Denver separated again from the Thunder in a 10-point win Friday. Why has Denver been so good against the Thunder this season? Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Jenni Carlson discuss.

Thunder Buddies – OKC plays the blues in Memphis (Game 74 of 82) – A new low for the Thunder this season? After an inspired second half against Toronto on Friday, the Thunder looked disinterested and unfocused again in a loss in Memphis. Billy Donovan took blame after the loss, but there's plenty of finger-pointing to go around as the Thunder dropped to eighth in the West again. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Revival against the Raptors (Game 73 of 82) – Where has this Thunder team been? That was the question asked in the second half of the Thunder's win against Toronto on Friday, where OKC's defense locked down and the offense found its free-flowing rhythm. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss the Thunder's much-needed win.

Thunder Buddies – An OKC collapse in Indy (69 of 82) – The Thunder was rolling until Paul George's game came unglued. The fouls and the defensive drop off didn't help either. The Thunder blew a 19-point lead in Indianapolis, and Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Cutting down the Nets (Game 68 of 82) – No drama on Wednesday. The Thunder dominated the Nets in the second half, where Paul George found some rhythm and Russell Westbrook took complete control of the game. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss, including second-unit contributions, Deonte Burton Watch and more.

Thunder Buddies – A drama-filled night in Salt Lake City (Game 67 of 82) – The Thunder completed a sweep of the Jazz, but not without some controversy away from the game. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss Thunder-Jazz, including Russell Westbrook's run-in with Jazz fans, Paul George's defensive masterpiece, Dennis Schroder stepping up, injuries piling up, and more.

Thunder Buddies – Assessing a foul-happy back-to-back for OKC (Games 65 and 66 of 82) – On Friday, the Thunder had a foul frenzy and nearly pulled off a victory against the Clippers with some courageous second-unit play, but Russell Westbrook and Paul George ultimately fouling out. On Thursday, the Thunder came into Portland with a four-game losing streak and left with a four-game regular season sweep of the Trail Blazers. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss both games.

Thunder Buddies All-Star Edition Part 1 – Hamidou Diallo Dunkfest – Diallo may not have been a household name entering Saturday's Dunk Contest, but the Thunder rookie was by the end of the night. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss that, plus changes needed in the dunk contest, the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest results, and running into soccer stars.

Thunder Buddies – An all-time rally against the Rockets (Game 55 of 82) – After digging a massive hole, the Thunder stepped up to the challenge in Houston. The biggest comeback in Thunder history was part-star power steadying the ship, part-role players stepping up. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss another MVP game for Paul George, Russell Westbrook's interesting extension of his triple-double streak, and the key figures – from Deonte Burton to Dennis Schroder – involved in the road rally.

Thunder Buddies – A Magic sweep for OKC (Game 53 of 82) – The Thunder completed the sweep of the Magic. Good news: The offense was prolific yet again. Bad news: The defense continued to show cracks until a stand in the third quarter. Time to change the trade deadline target? Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss.

Thunder Buddies – The streak ends in Boston (Game 52 of 82) – One streak ends and another continues. The Thunder's seven-game winning streak was snapped Sunday, but Boston extended its winning streak over OKC to four games. How did it happen this time? Defense, defense, defense. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss, plus some trade deadline talk.

Thunder Buddies – Paul George cool against the Heat (Game 51 of 82) – The Thunder extended its winning streak to seven behind another dominant performance from Paul George. No defense could stop him on his way into the Thunder record books. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss, including Russell Westbrook beating the zone, Dennis Schroder's scorching second quarter and what to expect in Boston on Sunday.

Thunder Buddies – Ousting Orlando with a lot of magic (Game 50 of 82) – The Thunder was shorthanded against the Magic but was still impressive in its sixth consecutive win. Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Dennis Schroder all had dominant stretches, but there was also a fill-in factor that spurred the Thunder to victory. Oh, and Alex Abrines was back. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Besting the Bucks (Game 49 of 82) – The Bucks entered Oklahoma City with the best record in the NBA. Of course, the Thunder relishes a challenge. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss the Thunder's big win, its defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George's MVP moments, and more.

Thunder Buddies – Pushing past the Pelicans (Game 48 of 82) – The Thunder was dominant until it wasn't against the Pelicans on Thursday, but New Orleans limped into Oklahoma City on the second night of a back-to-back with no Anthony Davis, Julius Randle or Nikola Mirotic. Lucky for OKC. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss, including some intriguing nuggets from the All-Star voting results.

Thunder Buddies – Burning the Blazers (Game 47 of 82) – Is the Thunder's defense back? Paul George never left. Russell Westbrook played one of his best games of the season. And Billy Donovan shook up the rotation on the second night of a back-to-back to great effect against the Blazers. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Jenni Carlson discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Kicking the Knicks (Game 46 of 82) – The Thunder made quick work of the Knickerbockers in New York with a big game ahead on Tuesday against Portland in Oklahoma City. The Thunder did it by defending, rebounding and continuing its streak of hot 3-point shooting. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Surviving the Sixers (Game 45 of 82) – The Thunder found its defense (a little), but some key mistakes put OKC in danger of dropping a game that should have been easier. Good thing the Thunder has Paul George. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss, including fouling 3-point shooters, Russell Westbrook's wild shots, Westbrook's beef with Joel Embiid, Billy Donovan's adjustments and more.

Thunder Buddies – An energy deficiency in ATL (Game 43 of 82) – A new low for the Thunder? OKC was torched for 40 points in the final 10 1/2 minutes in Atlanta. What went wrong? What does the Thunder, losers of four of its last five, need to get back on track? Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss.

Thunder Buddies – OKC gets even with the Spurs (Game 42 of 82) – The Thunder went back to what it does best: Forcing turnovers, playing defense and getting out on the fast break. Who thought Dennis Schroder would lead the charge? Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss the Thunder snapping a three-game losing streak, Abdul Nader stepping up, the Thunder's wild officiating streak, Nick Collison's big day coming up and more.

Thunder Buddies – Pushing past Portland (Game 38 of 82)– Until Friday, it had been nearly five years since the Thunder's last win in Portland. How did OKC pull it off? With contributions across the board and an escape in the final three minutes. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss, including Nerlens Noel's big game, the Thunder's pick-and-roll defense, Steven Adams vs. Jusuf Nurkic, Russell Westbrook and Paul George putting on a show, and more.

Thunder Buddies – Playing the Lakers a song at Staples (Game 37 of 82) – Paul George's game slowly blossomed, but so did the Thunder's second unit in a win against the Lakers. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss, including Russell Westbrook's turn in the fourth quarter, Abdel Nader showing off his versatile game, air guitar, the anti-George atmosphere and more.

Thunder Buddies – Westbrook bounces back in back-to-back (Game 36 of 82) – Coming off one of his worst shooting performances of the season, Russell Westbrook bounced back with some help from the glass. The Thunder needed him to be on after Paul George faded and the Mavs caught fire from 3. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss including Terrance Ferguson's return, the Thunder forcing turnovers and some New Year's resolutions for the Thunder.

Thunder Buddies – Schroder and Westbrook scorch the Suns (Game 34 of 82) – Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook were struggling for three quarters without Paul George. Then the fourth quarter happened. What does it mean for the Thunder going forward? Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss, including Abdel Nader's arrival, bad pick-and-roll defense getting fixed and the bug going around the Thunder.

Thunder Buddies – OKC in the spirit of giving against the Rockets (Game 33 of 82) – Defensive rebounding was the issue on Christmas for the Thunder. OKC gifted the Rockets with second chances and it led to its second-consecutive loss. There were other issues, ranging from Billy Donovan's managing of minutes to Russell Westbrook's continual struggles from the field, to the Thunder's lack of spacing hurting in the second half. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss.

Thunder Buddies – Topped by the T-Wolves (Game 32 of 82) – Russell Westbrook found his shot (sort of). He found Alex Abrines for a potential game-winning shot. Jerami Grant found himself on the end of two controversial plays in the late stages of a loss to Minnesota. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss what went wrong and what went right for the Thunder on the second night of a back-to-back.

Thunder Buddies – No Schroder, no problem against the Kings (Game 30 of 82) – The NBA delivered a surprise decision against the Thunder on Wednesday. No problem. Without Dennis Schroder, Paul George took over the second unit and the Thunder took over Sacramento. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss, including Russell Westbrook showing signs, Steven Adams' rebounding, Grant and Ferguson, and more.

Thunder Buddies podcast – OKC payback on the Bulls (Game 29 of 82) – It was an exciting blowout for the Thunder, from Paul George’s second quarter explosion, to the explosive scrum in the third quarter. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss, including Russell Westbrook’s journey back to rhythm, the bench play, Jim Boylen putting Jerami Grant in a choke hold (!?) and more.

Thunder Buddies podcast – Clipping the Clippers to end a key week (Game 28 of 82) – Russell Westbrook had another strange one. What helped was Westbrook engaging himself defensively after the first quarter. Oh, and Paul George. And Jerami Grant. And Steven Adams. After letting games slip away on the road, the Thunder closed a four game in six nights stretch 2-2. Good? Bad? Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss.

Thunder Buddies podcast – Down in Denver (Game 27 of 82) – The Thunder missed another opportunity in a comeback to take down the Denver Nuggets. Some of the same issues returned to bite them, from free throws to defensive rebounding to executing on key possessions with the game in the balance. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss.

Thunder Buddies podcast – OKC plays a different note for the Jazz (Game 25 of 82) – The last time the Thunder played the Jazz, it was an older, slower team. This time? The Thunder took it to the Jazz with efficiency from Paul George and waves of defense for Donovan Mitchell. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Jenni Carlson discuss, plus the difference in the Thunder from April to now, Russell Westbrook's shooting struggles, Terrance Ferguson's improvement, and more.

Thunder Buddies podcast – An offensive defensive stretch for OKC (Game 24 of 82) – The Thunder's defense gave up 70 points in the first half in a loss to the Bulls. But it wasn't the only problem for the Thunder on Friday. Turnovers. Lack of finishing. The Thunder sputtered in its final road game of the three-game trip, yet still had a chance to win. What needs to get corrected before Utah on Monday? Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss.

Thunder Buddies podcast – Pummeling the Pistons for No. 15 (Game 22 of 82) – There wasn't much to complain about in the Thunder's battering of the Pistons. It was a game won a different way than the 3-point parade against the Hawks, however. Steven Adams and defense ruled in Motown as the Thunder started its three-game road trip with some promising play. Erik Horne, Maddie Lee and Berry Tramel discuss.

Thunder Buddies podcast – Playing the right way against the "A" (Game 21 of 82) – The Thunder won't hit 18 3-pointers every night, but the ball moved and defense led to offense on a night where OKC could have easily sulked in the wake of Andre Roberson's latest setback. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss Alex Abrines and Patrick Patterson breaking slumps, Westbrook's continued bounceback from the Denver debacle and Trae Young's rookie lessons.

Thunder Buddies – Powering past the Suns (Game 13 of 82)– Paced by Paul George and Steven Adams, the Thunder played a brilliant first 30 minutes. But it's always an adventure with the Thunder, right? Erik Horne and Maddie Lee break down the Thunder's eighth win in nine games, George finding a rhythm, Adams punishing a rookie, and OKC getting back to doing what it does best to fend off Phoenix.

Thunder Buddies – OKC comes back to earth in Dallas (Game 12 of 82) – The Thunder's Mavericks problem resurfaced again on Saturday, with plenty of lapses on offense and defense. Erik Horne and Maddie Lee discuss the disastrous 3-point defense, the second quarter slump, and what the Thunder needed even before its seven-game winning streak ended.

Oklahoma City's Chris Paul (3) shoots over Philadelphia's Al Horford (42) during an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers at Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma City, Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. Oklahoma City won 127-119. [Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman]

Joe Mussatto

Joe Mussatto joined The Oklahoman in August 2018 to cover OU football, men’s basketball and softball. He previously covered University of Kentucky football and basketball for SEC Country.
Mussatto is from Oklahoma City and lives in Norman.
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Maddie Lee

Maddie Lee followed an NBA team from Seattle to Oklahoma City, she just took a 10-year detour in between. Lee joined the Oklahoman in October 2018 as a Thunder beat writer, fresh off a stint in Oxford, Miss., where she covered Ole Miss for the...
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